Theory & Speculation
The Primacy of Suffering
Suffering-focused ethics posits that the moral weight of preventing or alleviating suffering is greater than that of promoting happiness.
Editorial · July 12, 2026 · 15 min read
Theory & Speculation
A reading room for big speculative ideas — simulation theory, theories of consciousness, UAP discourse, fringe metaphysics. We treat these claims as cultural and philosophical artifacts to be understood and pressure-tested, never as private intelligence about real people.
15 essays · page 1 of 2
Theory & Speculation
The Unborn and Unharmed: Parfit on Procreative Ethics
Derek Parfit's non-identity problem challenges the belief that creating a person can be morally wrong, posing a significant hurdle for antinatalist arguments by questioning whether a life with suffering can constitute harm if non-existence is the only alternative.
Editorial · July 7, 2026 · 18 min read
Theory & Speculation
The Primacy of Suffering: An Ethical Defense
In the moral calculus of existence, the duty to alleviate suffering holds a weightier claim than the pursuit of happiness. This essay defends the ethical priority of pain reduction over pleasure promotion.
Editorial · July 3, 2026 · 14 min read
Theory & Speculation
The Non-Identity Problem and the Wrongness of Birth
Derek Parfit's non-identity problem challenges our understanding of procreative ethics. If actions are only wrong if they are bad for someone, can it be wrong to create a life that is worth living?
Editorial · June 26, 2026 · 25 min read
Theory & Speculation
The Non-Identity Problem and the Wrongness of Birth
Derek Parfit's non-identity problem challenges the coherence of antinatalism and procreative ethics by questioning whether it is possible to harm someone by bringing them into a life that is still worth living.
Editorial · June 17, 2026 · 15 min read
Theory & Speculation
The Asymmetry of Suffering
A defense of the view that reducing suffering takes ethical priority over creating happiness. We explore the philosophical arguments for this moral asymmetry.
Editorial · June 13, 2026 · 17 min read
Theory & Speculation
Population, Paradox, and the Repugnant Conclusion
Derek Parfit's Repugnant Conclusion suggests a massive population with lives barely worth living is a better future than a small, thriving one. This essay unpacks the paradox and its dark implications for reproductive ethics.
Editorial · June 10, 2026 · 15 min read
Theory & Speculation
The Non-Identity Problem and the Wrongness of Birth
Can we harm someone by bringing them into existence? Derek Parfit's famous philosophical puzzle challenges our understanding of procreative ethics and forces a confrontation with the arguments for antinatalism.
Editorial · June 8, 2026 · 15 min read
Theory & Speculation
The Moral Asymmetry of Suffering and Joy
The duty to prevent harm is more urgent than the duty to create good. This essay defends the ethical priority of alleviating suffering over promoting happiness.
Editorial · June 4, 2026 · 12 min read
Theory & Speculation
Parfit's Paradox: The Repugnant Conclusion and Procreation
Derek Parfit's Repugnant Conclusion suggests a massive population with barely-livable lives is better than a small, utopian one. This essay explores the argument and its dark implications for the ethics of creating new life.
Editorial · June 1, 2026 · 18 min read